Can I claim SS spousal benefits at 62 if my husband is on SSDI, not yet at FRA?
My husband (64) has been receiving SSDI for 6 years after a workplace accident. I'll be turning 62 in August and started researching whether I could file for spousal benefits. I'm getting conflicting information online and even from different SSA reps! Some say I need to wait until my husband converts from disability to regular retirement at his FRA (67), while others say I can apply at 62 regardless of whether he's on SSDI or regular Social Security. I'm totally confused about how this works. Does anyone know if I can claim spousal benefits while he's still on disability or do I really need to wait until he reaches 67? My own retirement benefit would be quite a bit smaller than half of his, so I'm hoping to get the spousal amount sooner rather than later.
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Brianna Schmidt
Yes, you absolutely CAN file for spousal benefits when your husband is on SSDI. For spousal benefit purposes, SSDI is treated exactly the same as regular Social Security retirement. You don't need to wait until he reaches FRA and converts to retirement benefits. You can apply as soon as you reach 62, though keep in mind you'll get a reduced amount by claiming before your own FRA. Your benefit would be approximately 32.5% of his full benefit amount rather than the 50% you'd get by waiting until your FRA.
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Andrew Pinnock
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. Do you know if I need any special documentation when I apply? Or just the standard marriage certificate and IDs?
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Alexis Renard
when my wife was on disabilty i had same question and got wrong info from ss office on phone! they told me to wait but later found out from another worker I could of been getting benefits for almost a year i missed out on! definitely apply right away
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Camila Jordan
•This happens ALL THE TIME with SSA. I've gotten different answers from different people on the SAME DAY!!! It's like they don't even train their employees properly. And then you lose out on money you deserved because THEY gave you bad information. So frustrating!!!
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Tyler Lefleur
My sister just went through this exact situation last year. She applied at 62 while her husband was still on disability (he's 59). Got approved no problem. Good luck!
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Madeline Blaze
To clarify the technical details: Under Social Security rules, SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is considered the same as retirement benefits for spousal benefit purposes. The law specifically defines a "disability insurance benefit" as a "primary insurance amount" that can trigger auxiliary benefits like spousal benefits. You can apply at 62, but be aware that: 1. You'll receive a permanently reduced amount (about 32.5% of his PIA instead of 50%) 2. If you're still working, the earnings test will apply until you reach your FRA 3. If your own retirement benefit is close to the spousal amount, it might be worth running calculations both ways Bring your marriage certificate, birth certificate, Social Security card, and a photo ID when you apply.
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Andrew Pinnock
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! Regarding point #2 - I'm still working part-time (about $18,000/year). Will that affect my spousal benefits?
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Madeline Blaze
•Yes, with earnings of $18,000 in 2025, the earnings test will reduce your benefits. For 2025, the earnings limit is $22,560 if you're under FRA the whole year. Your benefits would be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Since you're earning under the threshold, your benefits shouldn't be affected by the earnings test. Just be aware that if you increase your hours or get a raise that pushes you over the limit, it would impact your benefit amount.
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Max Knight
I finally got through to Social Security last month after trying for WEEKS about a similar question. Busy signals, disconnects, being on hold for hours only to get cut off... it was a nightmare! I ended up using this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in under 15 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Their website is claimyr.com - definitely worth it when you need to actually speak with someone at SSA instead of getting the runaround on their automated system. The agent I spoke with confirmed that you can absolutely apply for spousal benefits when your spouse is on SSDI.
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Tyler Lefleur
•Does this really work? I've been trying to get through about my missing COLA increase for weeks!
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Max Knight
•Yes, it definitely worked for me! I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after trying for so long. They basically navigate the phone system for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Emma Swift
I think everyone is missing the point about disability vs retirement!!! SSDI ISN'T THE SAME as regular social security!!! I had to wait until my husband switched from disability to retirement benefits at his FRA before I could claim spousal. The SSA office in Dallas told me this specifically last year!
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Brianna Schmidt
•With all due respect, the information you received was incorrect. This is unfortunately common with SSA representatives who sometimes provide contradictory information. Per the Social Security Handbook section 306.1, spouses can claim benefits on a disabled worker's record just as they would on a retired worker's record. The disability-to-retirement conversion at FRA is an internal accounting change that doesn't affect spousal eligibility.
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Alexis Renard
•ya i think you got wrong info cause my wifes on disabilty and i get spousal no problem
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Camila Jordan
When I was trying to figure this out for my mom, I kept getting different answers too! So frustrating! She ended up waiting 8 months unnecessarily because one SSA rep gave her the wrong info. Make sure you apply RIGHT AWAY when you turn 62 since they only do 6 months of retroactive benefits for spousal (not the full 12 months they do for some other benefits). Don't lose out on money like my mom did!!!
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Andrew Pinnock
•That's really good to know about the 6-month retroactive limit. I'll definitely apply right when I turn 62 in August. Thanks for the warning!
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Alexis Renard
dose anyone know if they check if your married for real? my friend and his girfriend been together 25 years but never got married legal, shes thinking of applying on his record
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Brianna Schmidt
•Your friend should be very careful about this. SSA requires legal marriage documentation for spousal benefits (except in common law marriage states where common law is recognized). Falsely claiming marriage status to obtain benefits is fraud and can result in serious penalties, including having to pay back all benefits with penalties and possible criminal charges.
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Tyler Lefleur
I remember when I applied for spousal, they wanted our marriage certificate from 1982! Took me forever to find it in the attic. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready before you apply!
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